Blood thinners
Blood thinners are drugs that inhibit or slow down blood clotting. They are often used to prevent or treat thromboses, strokes or heart attacks. But can they also be used in dogs? In this article, you can find out more about the effects, use and risks of blood thinners in dogs.
Why do some dogs need blood thinners?
There are various reasons why a dog might need blood thinners. For example, heart disease can cause blood clots to form in the heart chambers or heart valves, which can then lead to a heart attack or stroke. Certain cancers can also increase the risk of thrombosis. Some dogs also have a congenital or acquired blood clotting disorder, which leads to an increased tendency to bleed or form clots.
What blood thinners are available for dogs?
There are various types of blood thinners, which can be differentiated according to their mechanism of action and form of application. The most common are
- Anticoagulants: These drugs inhibit the formation of fibrin, a protein responsible for the stability of blood clots. They are usually administered as injections under the skin or as tablets. Examples are heparin, warfarin or rivaroxaban.
- Platelet aggregation inhibitors: These medications prevent platelets from clumping together and participating in the clotting process. They are usually given as tablets. Examples are aspirin, clopidogrel or ticagrelor.
- Fibrinolytics: These drugs dissolve existing blood clots by activating the enzyme plasmin, which breaks down fibrin. They are usually administered as infusions into the vein. Examples are streptokinase, urokinase or alteplase.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of blood thinners in dogs?
Blood thinners can be life-saving in dogs if they reduce the risk of serious complications such as heart attacks or strokes. They can also improve the quality of life of dogs suffering from chronic pain or inflammation. However, they also have some disadvantages and risks that need to be considered:
- Bleeding: The biggest risk of blood thinners is an increased tendency to bleed. This can lead to spontaneous bleeding from the nose, mouth, intestines or urinary bladder. Injuries or operations can also lead to heavy bleeding or bleeding that is difficult to stop. For this reason, dogs receiving blood thinners must have their coagulation values checked regularly and be treated quickly in an emergency.
- Interactions: Some blood thinners can interact with other medications or foods and increase or decrease their effect. For example, warfarin can be affected by vitamin K-rich foods such as green vegetables. Some antibiotics, painkillers or dewormers can also alter the effect of blood thinners. Therefore, dogs receiving blood thinners must always be under veterinary supervision and all other medications or supplements must be discussed with their vet.
- Side effects: Some blood thinners can also have other side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or hair loss. These are usually mild and temporary, but can also lead to a deterioration in general condition or weight loss. Therefore, dogs receiving blood thinners must be regularly monitored for weight, food intake and feces and reported to their veterinarian if there are signs of intolerance.
Blood thinners are important medications for dogs suffering from certain conditions that increase the risk of blood clots. They can prolong dogs' lives and improve their quality of life. However, they must also be used with caution and under veterinary supervision, as they can also lead to bleeding, interactions or side effects. It is therefore important that you always follow the dosage and your vet's instructions and have your dog examined regularly.
The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.
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